Venessa Vida Kelley (they/them)

Venessa Kelley is a Nuyorican author, illustrator, .and aspiring mermaid who writes fairy tales about the real world so they can draw them too. They hold a BA and MA in English literature with concentrations in film from the University of Delaware and the George Washington University respectively. Their illustrations have decorated LGBTQ+ books worldwide. She lives in Washington, D.C., with their spouse, two sons, and an overabundance of teacups and washi tape.

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Communities: LGBTQ+, Gender Nonconforming, Hispanic or Latinx, Mixed Race

Historical Romance is for Everyone

Historical Romance has something for everyone, and in this session, three authors with very different approaches will discuss the differences in their work, how they explore real historical events, and where they see the genre going in the future.

Student Union Kachina (Seats 100)  
Sat, Mar 14, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Romance
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Liana De La Rosa, Emma R. Alban, Venessa Vida Kelley
Moderator: Lauren Harvey

Magic, Misfits and Connection

Join Jenn Lyons, Vanessa Vida Kelley and Julie Leong as they explore how they cast misfits and why the best transformations happen when we stop trying to belong and start building our own spaces. These stories celebrate characters who refuse to accept the boxes the world tries to put them in.

Student Union Kachina (Seats 100)  
Sun, Mar 15, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Horror
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Venessa Vida Kelley, Julie Leong, Jenn Lyons
Moderator: Katherine Morter

That's Entertainment

Life in the spotlight is not always easy, especially when celebrities would like to be "normal" now and then. In this session, our authors will discuss their latest books and plot lines featuring people in show business.

UA Campus Store (Seats 250)  
Sun, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Romance
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - UA Campus Store Lower Level (following presentation)  

Panelists: Regina Black, Cat Sebastian, Venessa Vida Kelley
Moderator: Jessica West

Book:

When the Tides Held the Moon

Romance
Kensington Publishing Corp
April 2025
ISBN 9781645661535
464 pages